Matt Ouimet and a Roundup of Community Leaders
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Matt finished his look back at 2005 with the new Monsters Inc. attraction. It was, he pointed out, the Disneyland Resort’s fourth new attraction in eleven months.

After all that 2005 had to offer, Matt was eager to move on to 2006. He started with the first annual Disneyland Half Marathon. The three day event is scheduled for December 15-17. In addition to inviting runners from around the world, the event, which is partnered with the City of Anaheim, will offer a health expo and special kids events. Matt was pleased to say they were halfway through the registration process, and expected more than 10,000 runners to participate.

The run would pass not only through Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, but past such familiar Orange County landmarks as the Anaheim Pond, the Convention Center, and Angel’s Stadium. A portion of the proceeds from the Marathon will benefit the Anaheim Community Foundation.

April will see the launch of the Disneyland Balloon Tour. A specially designed hot air balloon depicting Mickey Mouse with golden ears will be seen around the western United States.

In addition to the balloon, Disney characters will make personal appearances everywhere it appears.

Inside Disneyland Park, 2006 had already seen the dedication of the Ward Kimball steam engine and Lilly Belle parlor car of the Disneyland Railroad. The Kimball was the first new engine added to the railroad in 47 years, Matt added.

He spoke of how honored Ward Kimball’s family was to have that engine named for their father, one of Walt’s nine old men of animation, and an avid rail buff. The Lilly Belle parlor car, named for Walt’s wife Lillian, is newly restored and again rolling the rails in Disneyland.